Learn from and collaborate with the Montshire staff through internship and work study opportunities.
Internships and Work Study
Internships
Montshire interns work closely with Montshire staff while developing a project that will have a significant impact on the Museum. Interns receive an orientation to museum operations from our staff and also participate in a seminar on museum philosophy, governance, and practices. Interns may also have opportunities to participate in staff meetings and to meet individually with senior staff.
Internships last 8 or 12 weeks, with flexible start dates. Although most are full-time, part-time commitments may be considered. Applicants must be college-aged or older, have a strong interest in science, and feel passionate about working with people. Familiarity with natural and physical science, communications, and education is also helpful. Priority is given to those interested in pursuing work in related field.
Please submit an online application, indicating the department of interest and including all pertinent material and references as a single PDF document.
Science Education Internship
Time requirement: 12 weeks, 30 hours per week (total 360 hours)
Stipend: $2000
Occurs: September–May*
Description:
The Museum’s education department is composed of five professional science educators and is responsible for teaching a large variety of programs as well as managing all educational activities and projects undertaken by the Museum.
Our programs range from astronomy and earth sciences to natural history and environmental education, and serve a wide range of ages from preschoolers to adults. Developing and teaching programs in which participants are immersed in the actual ‘doing of science’ is the common thread throughout the department’s work. Montshire’s education programs take place on the exhibit floor, in the Museum’s classrooms and trails, and with students, teachers, and families in schools and communities throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.
Education interns are involved in all aspects of the department’s work - including working with our visitors on weekends, teaching at the Museum and in outreach programs, and being involved in program planning and development. Interns have the opportunity to further develop their teaching skills, with a special emphasis on developing and teaching inquiry-based science learning experiences. Each Education intern is also expected to complete a project of relevance to the Museum. Successful candidates will have an interest in informal science education, experience working with children and families, and a strong background in science.
*During the summer months, any of our seasonal education positions can be structured to fulfill intern requirements.
Exhibit Design and Fabrication Internship
Starting January 1, 2020, we will be accepting applications for the Spring internship.
Time requirement: 12 weeks, 30 hours per week (total 360 hours)
Stipend: $2000
Occurs: Late Spring or Summer 2020
Description:
The Montshire has approximately 15,000 square feet of exhibit space, inside and outside, filled with interactive science exhibits. The exhibits department creates exhibits that are meant to appeal to children and families as well as adults. They are designed for visitors with a wide variety of knowledge and life experiences, and for a range of cognitive and physical abilities. Exhibits cover many facets of the physical and natural sciences, with a special focus on local and native flora and fauna.
Interns are exposed to almost every aspect of exhibit production, including research, design, and production of exhibits, installation of any scheduled traveling exhibitions, and day-to-day exhibit repair and maintenance. Exhibit interns also participate in the exhibit planning and evaluation process.
Candidates should have an interest in science, good manual skills, and basic computer skills; familiarity with the Adobe graphic design suite of software is helpful. In addition, imagination, a sense of humor, and an enjoyment of problem solving are necessary.
Marketing and Public Relations Internship
Applications for Summer 2019 closed.
Time Requirement: 8 weeks, 22.5 hours a week (total 180 hours)
Stipend: $1000
Occurs: May–August
Description:
The Montshire is recognized as an important learning center and tourist attraction in the region. The public relations and marketing department uses creativity and research to introduce the Museum to all potential audiences.
Interns are involved with various aspects of communications, market research, surveys, and copy writing for advertisements, web, social media, and feature stories. Interns may also be involved with technical aspects of the trade, including photography, desktop publishing, and graphic design.
Membership and Development Internship
Time Requirement: 8 weeks, 22.5 hours a week (total 180 hours)
Stipend: $1000
Occurs: May–August
Description:
The membership and development office works to ensure participation in and financial support of the Montshire Museum by establishing and strengthening positive relationships with people in our community.
Membership and development interns will have the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of these efforts by conducting research, analyzing data, writing/editing communications materials, and participating in event and strategy planning.
Candidates should have an interest in science and the nonprofit sector, as well as strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
Work Study
Montshire offers work study support to financially eligible students who want to gain experience in their major while helping to offset their educational expenses. Work study opportunities include serving as exhibit Explainers or assisting with education, membership, visitor services, and buildings and grounds. Pay rates and time commitments vary, usually ranging from 10 to 15 hours per week. For more information, please call the Museum at 802-649-2200.